My time before coming here to Londolozi was merely based on completing my thesis which focussed predominantly on warthog and aardvark. So this blog is going to introduce aardvark importance and later on, I’ll delve into the findings of what kept me busy for two years during my studies.

At Londolozi, few animals captivate the imagination quite like the aardvark. This nocturnal marvel is high on the wishlist for many guests, yet its elusive nature often keeps it hidden from view. For those lucky enough to spot one, it is a memory to treasure forever. The aardvark’s rarity and unique adaptations make it one of the most fascinating animals in the African wilderness, and it is certainly worth the wait.

An aardvark photographed at Tswalu Motse lodge

In my years on safari and Londolozi, I’ve scanned countless moonlit landscapes in the hopes of seeing an aardvark. Despite their wide distribution across sub-Saharan Africa, they remain one of the most challenging animals to encounter. Their secretive habits and specialised adaptations provide insight into a creature perfectly evolved for its environment.

Aardvarks are ecological keystones, shaping the environment in ways that benefit a multitude of species. Through their unique adaptations and behaviours, they not only ensure their own survival but also contribute to the health and balance of their ecosystem.

Aardvarks have evolved remarkable adaptations to thrive in their environment. Their nocturnal lifestyle allows them to avoid the intense heat of the African sun, and their acute sense of smell helps them locate termite mounds and ant nests with precision. Aardvarks are referred to as scratch diggers, where, using their strong claws and strong forelimbs, they break open these insect colonies and extract their prey with a long, sticky tongue that can extend up to 30 centimetres. This highly specialized diet of ants and termites provides both nutrition and moisture, enabling aardvarks to survive in areas where water is scarce. 

Image from a guest which shows the detail of the claws of an Aardvark. Sadly A leopard had hoisted this animal in a marula tree

The decision to dig a burrow is influenced by environmental cues such as soil type, vegetation cover, and proximity to food sources. Aardvarks prefer loose, sandy soils that are easier to excavate, and they often position their burrows near termite mounds. The engineering of these burrows is no small feat; they can extend up to 14 meters in length and feature multiple entrances and chambers, providing both security and ventilation.

Their burrows serve as both a daytime retreat and a defence mechanism, allowing them to evade predators such as lions, leopards, and hyenas. These adaptations, combined with their solitary nature, have allowed aardvarks to carve out a niche in some of Africa’s most challenging landscapes. The humidity levels within the burrow are carefully regulated, offering a microclimate that supports not only the aardvark but also the species that later occupy the abandoned structure. This balance of temperature and humidity is essential for many animals that use the burrows, particularly in arid regions where such conditions are rare.

Camera trap footage of an aardvark moving around the entrance to a burrow.

Aardvark importance for species and landscapes:

Aardvark burrows are indispensable ecological resources that play a crucial role in supporting biodiversity within ecosystems like Londolozi. These underground shelters create stable microclimates with consistent temperatures and humidity levels, offering protection to a wide array of species from predators and harsh environmental extremes.

A mother lies down in the foreground to nurse her cub. The hyena den would have originally been constructed by the foraging behaviour of the aardvark.

Larger animals such as warthogs, porcupines, hyenas, jackals, pangolins, and various reptiles find refuge in these burrows, while birds and smaller creatures, including lizards and insects, utilize them for nesting, foraging, and safety. The burrows often serve as nurseries for young animals, providing a secure and controlled environment during vulnerable stages of development. During periods of environmental stress, these shelters become critical sanctuaries for thermoregulation and survival.

Beyond their immediate role as habitats, aardvark burrows contribute significantly to the broader ecosystem. By loosening and aerating the soil, aardvarks promote plant growth, indirectly supporting herbivores that depend on vegetation for sustenance. The nutrient-rich soils surrounding the burrows encourage a diverse range of plant life, creating a ripple effect that enhances the overall health of the environment. This cascading impact underscores the aardvark’s position as a keystone species, with its digging activities fostering opportunities for countless other organisms to thrive.

Endless possibilities throughout the Londolozi landscape

Encountering an aardvark in the wild is a moment that stays with you forever. At Londolozi, the quest to see an aardvark becomes a story of patience, hope, and the magic of the unknown.

Though I have yet to see one myself, the mere possibility of an aardvark sighting fills me with excitement each time I venture into the bush. They remind us of nature’s boundless creativity and the wonders that await in the African wilderness. For those visiting Londolozi, the chance to see an aardvark is a reward that is undoubtedly worth waiting for.